The Bold Councilor of Beroea

Julian began with these threats, but he was put down by one single man of Beroea. This man was distinguished already, since he held the first place among the city’s magistrates, and his zeal made him more distinguished still. When he saw his son falling in with the paganism then in fashion, he drove him out of his home and publicly disowned him. The young man made his way to the emperor, who was then close by the city, and told him both his own views and his father’s sentence. The emperor told him not to worry and promised to reconcile his father to him. When Julian reached Beroea, he invited the officials and the leading men to a banquet. Among them was the father of the young petitioner, and both father and son were told to take their places on the emperor’s own couch. In the middle of the meal Julian said to the father, “It does not seem right to me to force a mind that is otherwise inclined and has no wish to change its allegiance. Your son does not want to follow your beliefs. Do not force him. Even I, though I could easily compel you, do not try to force you to follow mine.” Then the father, his faith in the divine truth spurring him to answer sharply, exclaimed, “Sir, are you speaking of this wretch whom God hates, who has preferred lies to the truth?” [a]

Once more Julian put on the mask of mildness and said, “Stop your abuse, man.” Then, turning his face to the young man, he said, “I will take care of you, since I have not been able to persuade your father to do so.” I mention this incident with the clear purpose of showing not only the admirable boldness of this worthy man, but also that a great many people despised Julian’s rule.